Petaling Street (Chinatown), Kuala Lumpur
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | Jalan Petaling, Chinatown |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10 am – 10 pm (busiest after 5 pm) |
| Closed | No closed days |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
About Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur's most famous street market, a covered stretch of stalls in the heart of Chinatown. The market sells a wide range of goods, from Malaysian-themed keychains, fridge magnets and t-shirts to bags, watches and accessories. The atmosphere is the draw — a bustling, noisy, sensory-overload experience that is part shopping, part sightseeing. Bargaining is expected and part of the culture.
Souvenir prices are low: keychains from RM5, t-shirts from RM15, bags from RM20. Start by offering 40 to 50 per cent of the asking price and negotiate from there. The market is at its liveliest after 5 pm when the evening crowd arrives. For authentic Malaysian handicrafts, Central Market (a five-minute walk away) is the better choice. For cheap, cheerful gifts and the experience of a Southeast Asian street market, Petaling Street delivers. The surrounding Chinatown streets also hold some of KL's best heritage food — Bunn Choon egg tarts, Old China Cafe and Madras Lane hawker stalls are all within walking distance.
Location
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Visitor Reviews
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★★★★★September 2026
Petaling Street is the place for budget souvenirs. Fridge magnets from RM3, t-shirts from RM10, and keychains from RM2. Bargaining is expected and we typically paid 40-50 percent of the first asking price. Best deals come when buying multiple items from one stall. Go after 5 pm for the full market atmosphere.
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★★★★☆August 2026
Got a set of twelve fridge magnets for RM25 after bargaining down from RM48. The I Love KL t-shirts are RM15 for three if you negotiate. Quality varies so check stitching on clothing items. The covered market keeps you dry during rain. Petaling Street LRT station is a two-minute walk.
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★★★☆☆July 2026
Extremely crowded on weekends and the constant calls from vendors can be tiring. Prices start high and you need to counter-offer aggressively. A painted fan was quoted at RM25 and I got it for RM10. Product quality is hit-or-miss so inspect everything before paying. Good for cheap bulk souvenirs.
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★★★★★May 2026
The trick to Petaling Street is knowing what things should cost. Postcards RM1 each, small batik pouches RM8-10, wooden carved animals RM5-15, and traditional snacks from RM5. Walk the full stretch first, note prices, then go back to the best stalls. The Chinese tea shops have quality loose leaf from RM20.
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★★★★☆April 2026
Bought 30 small souvenirs for colleagues and spent under RM120 total. Mini sarongs at RM5 each, pewter-look keychains at RM3, and small batik coin purses at RM4. The quality is basic but perfectly fine for token gifts. Walk past the first few stalls as they tend to have the highest prices.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Petaling Street (Chinatown)'s opening hours?
Petaling Street (Chinatown) is open Daily 10 am – 10 pm (busiest after 5 pm). No closed days.
Is Petaling Street (Chinatown) free to visit?
Petaling Street (Chinatown) is free to visit.
How do I get to Petaling Street (Chinatown)?
Petaling Street (Chinatown) is located at Jalan Petaling, Chinatown. You can use Grab (ride-hailing) or public transport to get there.